President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling the action a "disgrace" during a Thursday interview. The US leader accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being "less willing than Vladimir Putin to reach a compromise to end the war." Trump claimed that Zelensky's decision to resume attacks on Russian energy infrastructure was making global oil prices rise and undermining efforts to stabilize the conflict.
Zelensky had previously announced that Ukraine was "done" with Trump's demand to hold off on striking Russian energy sites. In response, Trump expressed frustration, stating that Zelensky's actions were not in line with the energy ceasefire agreement. The president also suggested that Zelensky was not a "good guy to deal with," contrasting him with Putin, whom he described as easier to handle.
European leaders have expressed support for Zelensky, as tensions between Ukraine and the US have escalated. Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Russia in exchange for diesel exports has further strained relations between Kyiv and Washington. Zelensky's order to restart attacks on Russian oil facilities has been seen as a direct challenge to Trump's policy, leading to public criticism from the US president.
The situation highlights growing divisions between Ukraine and the United States, with Trump's policies increasingly seen as favoring Russia. As the conflict continues, the impact of these diplomatic tensions on the war's outcome remains uncertain.
